Inclement weather disrupts apron operations at HKIA

During the period of adverse weather and thunderstorms today Hong Kong Observatory recorded an exceptionally severe rainstorm at the airport island, breaking records with 300 millimetres of rainfall in an hour. The airport largely maintained normal operations under the rainstorm.

Meanwhile, inclement weather and rainstorm did not only affect Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) but also other airports around Hong Kong. Flights entering and leaving Hong Kong were subject to air traffic control in the surrounding regions, causing many delays under the rainstorm.

At HKIA, the Red Lightning Warning was in effect for most of the time in the morning. To ensure the safety of airport staff and passengers, all apron activities, including baggage handling, passenger shuttle bus services, and air bridge-related ground operations, must be suspended when the Red Lightning Warning Signal is in force.

Under HKIA’s Airport Lightning Warning System, the Red Lightning Warning is issued when lightning is detected within a one-kilometre domain surrounding the airport island. When the Red Lightning Warning is hoisted, all ramp activities will stop immediately. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has been maintaining close communication with airlines and making public announcements in the Terminal to inform passengers of the airport’s arrangements.

During the rainstorm, AAHK activated emergency facilities to handle a minor flooding in a small area of the apron. Some facilities in the airfield also required emergency maintenance. AAHK will further review and enhance the relevant facilities at the airport, in light of the rainstorm’s impact today. The operation of the Three-runway System will be optimised to minimise rainstorm impact on flight operations.

As of 1700hrs, HKIA had a total of 31 passenger flights cancelled and 590 flights delayed. AAHK will deploy additional staff to assist passengers and ease passenger flow, as airport operations are expected to remain busy tonight.

AAHK advises passengers to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and proceed to the airport when flight time has been confirmed. Passengers may also visit HKIA’s website or make use of the “My HKG” mobile app for checking latest flight information. In addition, as transportation to and from the airport may be affected by adverse weather conditions, passengers should allow sufficient time for travelling to the airport.